#52 Can You Really Learn Music Online? Debunking the Myths of Virtual Music Education with Caleb Smith

🎵 Can Music Be Taught Effectively Online? Exploring Distance Learning in the Arts

Pain Point: Many believe that subjects like music require in-person instruction to be truly effective. Can students really learn to play an instrument, develop musicality, and experience meaningful arts education online?

Solution: In this episode, Why Distance Learning? hosts welcome Caleb Smith, a professional musician and experienced online music educator. Caleb shares how virtual learning is breaking barriers, making music education accessible to students in remote communities, and fostering creativity in ways traditional classrooms cannot. He explains how online instruction differs from in-person teaching, how technology enhances musical immersion, and why local educators are key partners in virtual music programs.

Key Takeaways:

🎸 Access Over Geography: Online music education connects students in isolated communities with world-class instruction.

🎼 Beyond the Notes: Music education online isn’t just about technique—it’s about inspiration, creativity, and cultural exchange.

📡 Technology as an Enabler: Innovations like OBS Studio, hybrid models, and latency-free platforms (like Gig Room) are redefining online music learning.

🤝 Empowering Educators: Effective online instruction isn’t just about students—it also supports local teachers in refining their craft.

🌎 Cultural Connection: Virtual learning expands students’ exposure to musical traditions, instruments, and styles from around the world.

Action: Listen now to learn how distance learning is transforming music education and what educators can do to optimize virtual arts instruction.

🎧 Episode Links:

 • Learn more about Caleb Smith’s work in online music education

 • Explore Gig Room, a low-latency solution for virtual music collaboration

 • Read about how OBS Studio enhances online music instruction

📌 Host Links:

1️⃣ Discover more virtual learning opportunities and resources at CILC.org with Tami Moehring and Allyson Mitchell

2️⃣ Seth Fleischauer’s Banyan Global Learning provides meaningful global learning experiences that prepare students across the globe for success in an interconnected world.

🎙️ If you found this episode valuable, please rate, review, and share Why Distance Learning? with your network!

Creators and Guests

Host

Allyson Mitchell

SF

Host

Seth Fleischauer

TM

Host

Tami Moehring

What is Why Distance Learning??

The Why Distance Learning? Podcast explores the transformative power of live virtual learning and its role in shaping the future of education. Hosted by three seasoned distance learning experts, this podcast delivers insights, promising practices, and inspiration for educators, content providers, and education leaders integrating live virtual experiences into teaching and learning. Each episode features interviews with content creators, industry professionals, field experts, and innovative educators who are driving engagement, equity, and innovation through distance learning. By challenging common perceptions and uncovering the realities of live virtual education, Why Distance Learning highlights its true impact and explores how it continues to evolve in an ever-changing educational landscape.

Hosted by Seth Fleischauer of Banyan Global Learning and Allyson Mitchell and Tami Moehring of the Center for Interactive Learning and Collaboration.